Revisiting the Uniquely Different Grand Theft Auto IV

November 9, 2026 - 02:07

This marks my third look at the iconic Grand Theft Auto series. My first piece explored GTA III, while the second focused on Vice City and San Andreas.

As anticipation built for Grand Theft Auto IV, a former Rockstar Games representative dismissed my enthusiasm for Crackdown, a notable open-world title. They confidently claimed that GTA IV would render Crackdown obsolete, and they were right.

By early 2007, the wait for GTA IV felt unbearable, especially since we were unaware of the gaming landscape's evolution. The release of GTA III in 2001 transformed gaming, followed by Vice City and San Andreas. While Rockstar released some spin-offs, they were not the landmark titles fans craved.

In the mid-2000s, Rockstar enjoyed creative freedom, exploring various projects, including a ping-pong game that tested technology for GTA IV. Then, in March 2007, the trailer dropped, showcasing Liberty City with stunning detail that still impresses today.

When GTA IV launched in April 2008, it achieved an average score of 98, praised for its graphics, story, and gameplay improvements. Reviewers noted its serious tone, focusing on an Eastern European immigrant's journey.

After a long break, I revisited GTA IV on an Xbox Series X. I had fond memories, but I was unprepared for how uniquely strange the game truly is. The experience felt fresh, revealing layers I had overlooked in my earlier playthroughs.